Get Outside
Beaches, trails, and weekend plans
Snorkeling La Jolla Cove: Sea Lions, Leopard Sharks, and the Underwater Park Most Visitors Never Understand
A local's guide to the San Diego–La Jolla Underwater Park — where to get in, when the leopard sharks show up, and the sea lion rules that changed and caught a lot of people out.
Best Places to Surf in San Diego (for Beginners)
Where to actually learn — the beaches with sandy bottoms, forgiving waves, and lifeguards — plus the famous spots to stay away from until you know what you're doing.
Balboa Park: A Local's Guide to Visiting, Parking, and Getting In Free
Balboa Park is free to enter — but as of 2026, parking isn't. Here's how the new rules work, how residents still park free, and which museums are free on which Tuesday.
Coast Walk Trail: My Local's Guide to La Jolla's Best Free View
A 0.6-mile cliffside trail next to the Cave Store delivers Amalfi Coast views over La Jolla Cove. Free, easy, dog-friendly, and probably the best 15 minutes in San Diego.
Best Hidden Beaches in San Diego: A Local's Guide Beyond the Tourist Spots
A San Diego local’s guide to hidden beaches and underrated coastal spots — from Cabrillo tide pools and Sunset Cliffs sunsets to Windansea surf, Marine Street swims, and local-favorite dog beaches.
The Free Outdoor San Diego Guide
Everything worth doing outside in San Diego County that doesn't cost a dollar to get into. The activity is always free — the variable is almost always parking, so that's called out for each one.
The Best Dog Beaches in San Diego: A Local's Guide to Off-Leash Sand
A local's guide to San Diego's dog beaches — Ocean Beach, Fiesta Island, Del Mar, and Coronado — with off-leash rules, hours, parking, and the fines to avoid.
Where to Play Pickleball in San Diego: Every Court, Free and Paid
Pickleball has taken over San Diego — 80-plus courts, many of them free. Here's where to play, what to bring, and when to go.
Why Cliff Jumping at Sunset Cliffs Is Illegal — and Why It Keeps Sending People to the Hospital
Cliff jumping at Sunset Cliffs is illegal under San Diego Municipal Code 63.20.23. After a string of July 2026 rescues, here's the law, the fines, and the risks.
Hiking Los Peñasquitos Canyon to the Waterfall: My Favorite Easy Escape in San Diego
A local's guide to the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail — a flat, shaded, dog-friendly walk along a year-round creek to a little waterfall tucked in volcanic rock.
Hiking the Gliderport Trail to Black's Beach: My Favorite Dramatic Descent in La Jolla
A local's guide to the Gliderport Trail — a short, steep cliff descent to wild, secluded Black's Beach in La Jolla.
Garnet Peak, Mount Laguna: My Local's Guide to One of San Diego's Best Views
Garnet Peak is the hike I'd send you on first in the Laguna Mountains. My local's guide to this short climb to a 5,900-foot summit with sweeping desert and mountain views.
Your Local's Guide to the Best San Diego Summer Hikes (2026)
Summer hiking in San Diego is all about timing. My local's guide to the best summer hikes — five trails, from easy coastal walks to a sunrise summit climb.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: A Complete San Diego Guide to Running, Picnics, Tide Pools, and Sunsets
A complete guide to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — San Diego's 68-acre cliffside park. Trails, tide pools, sunset views, surfing, picnicking, and everything you can do for free.
Potato Chip Rock: My Local's Guide to San Diego's Most Famous Hike
The Potato Chip Rock hike is the most photographed trail in San Diego. My local's guide to all three routes up Mount Woodson — with the truth about the climb, the photo wait, and exactly when to go to beat the crowds.
Black Mountain Trail: My Local's Guide to One of San Diego's Best Summit Views
The Black Mountain Trail punches above its weight. My local's guide to this 4-mile climb to a 1,554-foot summit — with 270-degree views from downtown San Diego to Mexico, plus the route, parking, and what to pack.
Annie's Canyon Trail: My Local's Guide to San Diego's Slot Canyon Hike
Annie's Canyon Trail is one of those hikes that doesn't feel like anywhere else in Southern California. My local's guide to this slot canyon near Encinitas.
Guy Fleming Trail: My Local's Guide to Torrey Pines' Best Easy Hike
Most people underestimate the Guy Fleming Trail. My local's guide to this easy 0.7-mile loop at Torrey Pines, with ocean views, rare pines, and wildflowers.
Cowles Mountain: My Local's Guide to San Diego's Highest Point
San Diego's highest peak packs 950 feet of climbing into 1.5 miles. Here's what to bring, when to go, and what to expect.